Pontiac Repair: Coolant Level Sensor, coolant leaks, coolant level

Question
QUESTION: Hi Todd
Have 1997 Grand Am, SE sedan, 4 cyl.
Coolant level lights up on dashboard(wavy lines with arrow) and won’t turn off. There is orange DexCool up to the max fill line of the reservoir. Reservoir cap is tight. Temp gauge on dashboard does not show overheating. No coolant leaks. Had coolant drained/refilled about year ago. Been driving car without any problem. I replaced the coolant level sensor but dashboard still lights up. If it makes a difference, the sensor would not come out with the wire plug; I had to pull it out with needle nose pliars. Which makes me wonder if the sensor slides too far up and doesn’t make connection with the plug. I left it disconnected so the dashboard light wouldn’t stay on. Any ideas? Thanks.


ANSWER: Hey don the fact that the lamp goes out when you unplug the sensor means the sensor is the issue here.I was not aware of the sensor beiang able to be replaced seperate from the tank. We always replace the tank and it comes with the sensor. is it a original Gm part? If so I guess it's replaceable now. pug it back in and use a small hammer and gently tap on the side of the tank and see if the lamp goes out the float inside the tank me be stuck and not allowing the sensor to work correctly. if that doesn't work replace the tank. good luck :)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks, Todd. I'm going to say it's original equipment. Sensor slides into a narrow pocket on side of tank. I keep all my maintenance records and I don't recall the tank ever being replaced when I've had the cooling system flushed. New tank is $50. Could it help if I remove the tank and flush it?  How do you keep coolant from running everywhere when you disconnect hoses from tank? I don't have the drain cooling system do I? Thanks again.

Answer
tanking the tank off and flushing it out May help if the float is stuck in it but don't mbank on it. If you going to take the thing off just replace it you don't want to do the job 2X. ther is no way to not make a mess doing this just take the 2 hoses off the tank and put a catch basin under the car to catch the coolant. No you don't have to drain the whole system to do this it will only loose as much at up to the tank level. Do this with a cold engine.